Vent cover with paddle wheel

ABSTRACT

A duct vent cover attaches to an exterior wall at a duct exhaust point. The duct vent cover comprises a hood, mounting bracket, and a paddle wheel. The duct vent cover shields the duct vent from weather effects. The paddle wheel deters the ingress of wildlife, such as, for example, birds, squirrels and other animals which nest in vents, while allowing the egress of exhaust air, lint, and other debris.

NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document and its figurescontain material subject to copyright protection. The copyright ownerhas no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patentdocument or the patent disclosure, but otherwise reserves all copyrightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND

I. Field

This invention relates to covers for vents.

II. Description of Related Art

Dryers and other household appliances typically generate waste air whichneeds to be exhausted. This waste air is typically exhausted throughtubing leading from the appliance to an outdoor space. Successfulventing to the outdoors requires an aperture at the termination of thetubing through which the waste air can flow. This aperture is the ventopening.

An effective vent opening allows the flow of air from the vent tubingand thus the appliance. Thus, it is advantageous to facilitate exhaustthrough the vent opening. An occlusion prevents the flow of air from thevent tubing or duct work, thereby preventing the flow of appliance'sexhaust air and increasing the risk of appliance failure, such as byoverheating the appliance's motor, increasing drying times, or unsafelevels of heat buildup elsewhere.

A vent opening which is too occluded constitutes several risks. It mayeffectively block the air flow from the appliance by completelyobstructing the vent opening. It may also increase the risk of fire bypreventing the free flow of lint or other debris along with the exhaustair, thereby causing a clog in the vent tubing which decreases applianceperformance, increases the risk of appliance failure, and increases therisk of a fire.

Conversely, a vent opening which is insufficiently occluded constitutesseveral different risks. Wildlife, perhaps attracted by the warmth ofthe exhaust air or the convenience of a nesting location, may ingressinto the vent tubing. For example, birds will often nest in ventopenings. Further, rain and other weather effects can be detrimental toexposed vent tubing.

Hoods to shield the vent opening against weather effects, particularlyprecipitation, are known in the art. Flaps, grilles, and grating toguard against wildlife ingress are known in the art. Specifically, thebuilding code of some jurisdictions requires the use of backflowflappers. Though these flappers are designed to allow air flow to passin only one direction, small animals such as birds are known to lift oneof the backflow flappers and ingress into the duct cover. Thus, it isdesirable to provide a device which allows air to exhaust from a ductvent and prevents air from entering it, but also prevents the ingress ofwildlife.

Grills and grating are unmoving parts and so provide no visual feedbackto a viewer regarding the rate or volume of air flow. Flaps can becomestuck open, which not only defeats their ability to prevent a backdraft,but also prevents any visual feedback to the viewer. Thus, it isdesirable to provide a device which provides visual feedback to a viewregarding the amount of air flow. Flaps can be opened or circumvented bybirds, which gather twigs and other debris to form a nest. In turn, thenest forms a substantial occlusion. Thus, even a vent opening withbackflow flaps is still susceptible to blockage by a nesting bird.

Notwithstanding these known advances, the problem of vents openingsbecoming clogged over time remains. Dryer vents, in particular, tend tobecome clogged over time with dryer lint. Exhaust air from the dryercontains some amount of dryer lint. Dryer vent covers with flaps,grilles, or grating increase the rate of lint accumulation by catchingsome of this lint. The lint caught exacerbates the problem further by,in turn, catching more lint. Thus begins a cycle culminating in aclogged dryer vent.

The above problems, and others, are reduced by the invention as hereindescribed and shown.

SUMMARY

An object of the present invention is to provide a cover for an exhaustpoint of an appliance duct. For example, the invention may attach to theexterior surface of a home where an appliance duct terminates.

An object of the present invention is to prevent contamination orinfestation in the duct by helping to prevent the ingress of weathereffects and wildlife.

An object of the present invention is to facilitate the egress ofexhaust air, lint, and other debris.

An object of the present invention is to provide a paddle wheel thatrotates by force of the exhaust air flowing from the exhaust point tothe outdoors.

An object of the present invention is to provide visual feedback of therate and volume of air flowing from the exhaust point by use of color,texture, and movement.

Household appliances or other machines vent in to a duct system to ventexhaust air into outside of a building. The point at which a duct ventbreaches an exterior wall of the building and exhausts air to theoutdoors is duct exhaust point. An object of the present invention is toprovide a cover that attaches to an exterior wall at a duct exhaustpoint to shield the duct vent from weather effects and prevent theingress of animals, particularly those animals which nest in vents,while allowing the egress of exhaust air, lint, and other debris.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The exemplary embodiments, objects, uses, advantages, and novel featuresare more clearly understood by reference to the following descriptiontaken in connection with the accompanying figures wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a bottom view of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-section of an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of an aspect of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of an aspect of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The ductcover 101 has an open bottom 103, an inner wall 105, and a top wall 107.The duct cover 101 also has side walls 123. The open bottom 103, innerwall 105, top wall 107, and side walls 123 define an inner cavity 121.Disposed within this inner cavity 121 is a paddle wheel 113. The paddlewheel 113 rotates freely around an axle 115. The axle 115 is connectedat each of its two ends at each of one of the two side walls 123,spanning the distance between them. The paddle wheel 113 has a pluralityof paddles 109. In this embodiment, there are eight paddles 109.

Each of the paddles 109 may be substantially identical. Conversely, oneor more of the paddles 109 may differ from the others in materialaspects. For example, one of the paddles 109 may be weighted more thanthe others, thereby disposing the paddle wheel 113 toward a certainorientation.

The top wall 107 is curved to help direct air flow from the duct vent(not shown) down toward the open bottom 103. The top wall 107 maycomprise a plurality of separate pieces or a single, curved piece.Rather than being curved, the top wall 107 may be strait but run at anangle between the inner wall 105 and the open bottom wall 103, therebyforming a triangle shape between them. The top wall 107 may comprise aseries of angled surfaces approximating a curve.

The duct cover 101 attaches to the exterior surface or wall of a houseor building at attachment points 111. The attachment points 11 may besecured by a screw, nail, stud, peg, brad, bolt, or similar device.

Eight evenly spaced, straight paddles 109 are shown in this embodiment.The paddles 109 may be unevenly spaced around the paddle wheel 113. Thepaddles 109 may be curved rather than straight. The paddles 109 mayspiral around the paddle wheel 113.

FIG. 2 shows a bottom view of an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention. The duct cover 201 has a duct cover body 203. The paddlewheel 207 is positioned within duct cover body 203 at an open bottom205. The paddle wheel 207 rotates about the axle 209. The axle 209terminates at each end at axle ends 221. The axle ends 221 attach to theduct cover body 203 by mating with divot or depression, traversing anaperture, or similar method. The attachment of axle ends 221 of axle 209to duct cover body 203 may be rotatable or may be fixed. That is, thepaddle wheel 215 rotates about axle 209, which, in turn, may or may notrotate within the duct cover body. In the current embodiment, the paddlewheel 207 spans less than the full width of the open bottom 205, andthus has a shorter length than that of the axle 209. Axle end caps 215protect the exposed portions of the axle 209, position the paddle wheel207 relative to the open bottom 205, and discourage lint buildup at theaxle 209. A pin 213 at one end of the axle 209 prevents the axle frombeing removed from the duct cover body 203. However, for servicing,replacement of the paddle wheel 207, or other required access to theinterior of the vent cover body 203, the pin 213 may be removed, therebyallowing the axle 209 to be extracted from the vent cover body 203 andfreeing the paddle wheel 207. A weep hole 219 allows any water in theinterior of the duct cover body 203 to seep out of the duct cover body203.

The open bottom 205 may present an opening narrower than the widest partof the duct cover body 203. The vent duct 223 will exhaust a certainvolume of air flow, which volume may vary of time based on the type,number, and activity of the machine or machines venting into the ductsystem. Substantially all of the air flow from the vent duct 221 entersthe duct cover body 203 and passes by and interacts with the paddlewheel 207 as it leaves the duct cover body 203 by way of the opening ofthe open bottom 205. The paddle wheel 207 may be configured to minimizethe amount of air resistance it poses such as, for example, byminimizing the resistance of the paddle wheel 207 rotating about itsaxle 209. The opening of the open body 205 may be configured toaccommodate the volume of air flow from the vent duct 221, accountingfor the air resistance posed by the paddle wheel 207. Thus, the size ofthe opening in the open bottom 205 may bear some relationship to thesize of the vent duct 221 and the air resistance of the paddle wheel207.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of an aspect of the presentinvention. The duct cover 301 has an open bottom 303, an inner wall 327,and a top wall 307. The duct cover 301 also has side walls (not shown).The open bottom 303, inner wall 327, top wall 307, and side walls (notshown) define an inner cavity 321. Disposed at least partially withinthis inner cavity 321 is a paddle wheel 313. The paddle wheel 313rotates freely around an axle 315. The axle 315 is connected at each ofits two ends at each of one of the two side walls (not shown), spanningthe distance between them. The paddle wheel 313 has a plurality ofpaddles 309 extending therefrom. Eight evenly spaced, straight paddles309 are shown in this embodiment. The paddles 309 may be unevenly spacedaround the paddle wheel 313. The paddles 309 may be curved rather thanstraight. The paddles 309 may spiral around the paddle wheel 313. Thepaddles 309 may run the full length of the paddle wheel 313 or only partof the length. The paddles 309 may be of equal or unequal lengths withrespect to one another.

The mounting bracket 305 positions as a collar around the vent duct 319.Where the vent duct 319 penetrates an outer wall of the building, aportion of the vent duct 319 is exposed. This exposed portion of thevent duct 319 passes through an appropriately-sized aperture on themounting bracket 305 and secured thereto. For example, the aperture mayhave a diameter approximately equal to the diameter of the vent ductwhere it terminates. The mounting bracket 305 may be attached directlyto the exterior wall of the building from which the vent duct 319 exits.The inner wall 327 is attached to the mounting bracket 305. The mountingbracket 305 attaches to the wall via attachment points 325. Theattachment points 325 may be secured by a screw, nail, stud, peg, brad,bolt, or similar device.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of an aspect of the present invention. Apaddle wheel 401 comprises a plurality of paddles 405. Each of theplurality of paddles 405 extends from a body 407. The paddle wheel 401rotates around an axis 403. The axis 403 runs through the center of thebody 407. The axis 403 partially emerges from the body 407 at end tips409 a and 409 b. The end tips 409 a and 409 b are each configured toengage with an aperture or divot in a side wall of a dryer vent cover.

Each of the plurality of paddles 405 has a width less than that of thebody 407. The plurality of paddles 405 extend from the body 407 atstaggered attachment points in a stepped spiral fashion. Thus, in thedepicted embodiment, each of the plurality of paddles 405 is one fifththe width of the body 407. Correspondingly, a completed stepped spiralsequence requires five paddles in the plurality of paddles 405. However,alternate configurations are possible. For example, the attachmentpoints of the plurality of paddles 405 could be distributed evenly orunevenly along the width of the body 407; the plurality of paddles 405could collectively span the entire width of the body 407 or couldcollectively span less than the entire width of the body 407; and/or theplurality of paddles 405 could each be sized to create overlap such thatthe sum of the widths of each of the plurality of paddles 405 exceedsthe width of the body 407. Various other configurations are possible, aswill be appreciated.

FIG. 5 shows a cross-section of an aspect of the present invention. Apaddle wheel 501 comprises a plurality of paddles 503. Each of thepaddles 503 is, in this embodiment, identical to each of the otherpaddles 503. Each of the paddles 503 comprises a substantially straitsection 505 and a curved section 507. The paddle wheel 501 rotates aboutaxis 509. In this embodiment, the curved section 507 comprises a contouror curve. The apex of the contour or curve may be at any point along thelength of the paddle 503. The contour or curve of the curved section 507may be symmetrical or asymmetrical with respect to the apex. In theembodiment shown, the contour or curve is asymmetrical.

FIG. 6 shows a cross-section of an aspect of the present invention. Apaddle wheel 601 comprises a plurality of paddles 603. Each of thepaddles 603 is, in this embodiment, identical to each of the other 603.Each of the paddles 603 comprises a curved section 605. The paddle wheel601 rotates about axis 607. In this embodiment, the curved section 605comprises a contour or curve. In this embodiment, the apex of thecontour or curve lies halfway along the length of the paddles 603 andthe contour or curve of the curved section 605 is symmetrical withrespect to the apex.

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section of an aspect of the present invention. Apaddle wheel 701 comprises a plurality of paddles 703. In thisembodiment, all but one of the paddles 703 are identical. The paddlewheel 705 rotates about axis 709. One paddle of the plurality of paddles703 is a weighted paddle 713 and features a weight 711. Weight 711 maybe integrated or embedded in the material of the weighted paddle 713 ormay be mounted upon the surface of the weighted paddle 713. The weight711 acts upon the paddle wheel 705. Each of the plurality of paddles 703comprises a brush seal 707. The brush seal 707 may comprise a pluralityof bristles or may comprise a single ridge. The brush seal 707 may becomprised of a material such as, for example, felt, rubber, or plastic.Each of the plurality of paddles 703 has an outer edge from whichextends a brush seal 707. The brush seal 707 may extend strait from thepaddle or may extend from the paddle at an angle, thereby causing thepaddle wheel 705 to resist rotation in one direction while continuing toallow rotation in the opposite direction. The brush seal 707 helps forma seal between the hood and the paddle, which facilitates the rotationof the paddle wheel 705. The brush seal 707 may also help remove debrisfrom the hood by sweeping the debris out of the hood as the paddle wheel705 rotates.

The paddle wheel of the various embodiments disclosed herein may haveone or more of several variations. For example, the paddle wheel may beconfigured to rotate about its axle in both directions or its rotationmay be fixed such that the paddle wheel cannot rotate in one direction,such as with a ratchet. The paddle wheel may have one or more paddles,but more common embodiments have three or more paddles. The paddles maybe strait, curved, or angled. The edge at which the paddle meets thepaddle wheel may run parallel to the axle, or the paddle may spiralaround the paddle wheel, in which case the edge spirals around the axisof the axle. A paddle may run the full length of the paddle wheel, or itmay run only part of the length of the paddle wheel.

The paddle wheel may deter the ingress of wildlife by providing spacesbetween paddles too small for the wildlife to traverse. Generally, themore paddles an embodiment employs, the smaller these spaces are. Thus,to a limited extent, the size of the wildlife being blocked is inverselyproportional to the number of paddles that are used. Very small animals,such as, for example, insects, may not be deterred by the paddle wheelregardless of the number of paddles used. The paddle wheel may deter theingress of weather effects such as rain. As will be understood, thepaddle wheel may be of various designs.

The paddle wheel may allow the egress of exhaust air, lint, and otherdebris by rotating. The force of the exhaust air, lint, and other debrisexiting the vent duct acts upon the paddles of the paddle wheels,thereby causing the paddle wheel to rotate about its axle. As the paddlewheel rotates, it also provides visual feedback of the rate and volumeof air flowing from the vent duct by use of variations in color, visualtexture, and movement.

Other systems, methods, and/or products according to the aboveembodiments will be or will become apparent to one of ordinary skill inthe art upon review of the above description, the following drawings,and any further description. It is intended that all such additionalsystems, methods, and/or products be included within this description,be within the scope of the present invention, and be protected by theaccompanying claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A duct cover with a paddle wheel comprising: ahood comprising an inner cavity, the inner cavity defined by a top wall,an inner wall, a first side wall, and a second side wall; a paddle wheeldisposed at least partially within the inner cavity, the paddle wheelcomprising a plurality of paddles, the paddle wheel rotating freelyaround an axle, the axle terminating at a first end at the first sidewall and terminating at a second end at the second side wall; and thetop wall having a bottom edge, a first side edge from which extends thefirst side wall, a second side edge from which extends the second sidewall, and a top edge from which extends the inner wall.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a bottom wall extending from the bottomedge of the top wall, the bottom wall comprising an exhaust aperture,the center of the exhaust aperture is approximately vertically alignedwith the axle of the paddle wheel.
 3. The device of claim 2, wherein:the top wall comprises an inner surface that curves from the top edge tothe bottom edge; the hood directs exhaust air from the duct exhaustpoint past the paddle wheel; and the paddle wheel rotates responsive tothe flow of the exhaust air.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein: thepaddle wheel is visible through the exhaust aperture to provide a visualindication of the relative rate of flow of the exhaust air past thepaddle wheel.
 5. The device of claim 1, wherein: the plurality ofpaddles are spaced with such proximity on the paddle wheel as to hinderingress of small animals into the duct exhaust point.
 6. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising: a mounting bracket having an aperture, theaperture receiving and positioning a duct vent at the duct exhaustpoint; the mounting bracket attaching to the hood at the inner wall. 7.The device of claim 6, further comprising: a plurality of backflowflappers, each of the plurality of backflow flappers hingedly attachedto the mounting bracket; and each of the plurality of backflow flappersopening responsive to exhaust air from the duct exhaust point.
 8. Thedevice of claim 1, further comprising: a plurality of backflow flappers,each of the plurality of backflow flappers hingedly attached to theinner wall; and each of the plurality of backflow flappers openingresponsive to exhaust air from the duct exhaust point.
 9. The device ofclaim 1, wherein: each paddle of the plurality of paddles comprises abrush seal.
 10. A device for regulating flow through a vent hoodcomprising: a paddle wheel comprising a plurality of paddles, the paddlewheel rotating freely around an axle, wherein the paddle wheel rotateswith the passage of air and is dimensioned to prevent the ingress ofwildlife and dimensioned to permit the egress of air and debris.